Saturday, May 9, 1998 Last modified at 4:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 1998

Honoring All Moms

WHAT BEGAN AS ONE midwestern state's way to pay a special tribute to hard-working mothers in the heartland has turned into a national celebration.

The nation's governors have been paying tribute to America's mothers in the days leading up to Mothers' Day 1998, Sunday, May 10 - ranging from a celebration in the birthplace of Mother's Day in West Virginia, to recognition of mothers in domestic violence shelters in Illinois and New York, to a mansion open house in Oklahoma City.

The series of special events, labeled, appropriately, "The Nation's Governors Honor America's Mothers," unfurled under auspices of the National Governors' Association (NGA). Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and First Lady Cathy Keating are leading the nationwide initiative.

The idea was sparked by Mrs. Keating, author of Our Governors' Mansions, a book providing a historic tour of the nation's governors' residences.

"We wanted to open our newly refurbished mansion to all Oklahomans on the day before Mother's Day, with a special invitation to mothers and families," Gov. Keating said.

That idea quickly turned into a nationwide plan to use the governors' offices and executive residences as a way to honor mothers everywhere and gain attention for very important woman's health issues championed by governor's spouses.

Governor and Mrs. Keating presented the idea to governors and their spouses at the NGA Winter Meeting in February. As a result, about half of the nation's governors hosted tributes this week. "We are delighted at the response," said Mrs. Keating. "It's a whole new way to do something special for mom, and we hope it becomes an annual celebration."